It was an achievement for Malaysia's mixed doubles although as Koo put it: We've never been trained as mixed doubles specialists because our focus was actually our main event, the men's and women's doubles.

Clark, who reached two finals Sunday in both men's and mixed doubles, acknowledged the importance of a support team.

In England, the UK Sports have top (badminton) coaches for top players. We also have psychologists and nutritionists, he said. The (British) Institute of Sports has been providing help. Everything comes together.

Clark was coached by Rexy for about three years before the 1996 Olympics champion and two-time world champion in 1993 and 1995 with long-time doubles partner Ricky Soebadja moved to Malaysia.

When I was a junior, I always wanted to be like Rexy and Ricky. And when he coached me, his influence was massive. He always told me 'just go out there and do it.' And now I've done it.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) also provided a support team to players, but some were still reluctant to use its services.

We do have psychologists but how can I share my problems with a stranger, men's doubles player Luluk Hadiyanto said. I'd rather talk to my coach (Herry Imam Pierngadi) or my friends.

When Hendrawan won his 2000 Olympics silver medal and world champion title in Sevilla, Spain, five years ago, he involved physical trainer Paulus Pesurnay and motivator Andrie Wongso.

If the PBSI wants to avoid another title drought in the world championships, it should also involve sports academics and foreign coaches in training, observers have said.